Lloyd Wright’s Samuel-Novarro House for Sale

By Cool Houses Daily Staff
| Published: 3/28/2013

More of that lush, tropical landscaping overhangs the concrete patio.

Built by Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. — the son of famed architect Frank
Lloyd Wright — the Samuel-Novarro House is one of the most
architecturally significant estates in Los Angeles, yet its backstory is
just as intriguing as its design.

Wright built the home in 1928 for Louis Samuel, the personal secretary of Ben-Hur
actor Ramon Novarro. But when Novarro discovered that Samuel was
embezzling money from him, he opted to take ownership of the home rather
than press charges. Novarro then hired Wright to renovate and expand
the home, adding a pergola, a bedroom suite and a music room. Since the
actor sold the house in the 1930s, its long list of notable owners has
included composer Leonard Bernstein, actress Diane Keaton and actress
Christina Ricci.

Lloyd Wright's Samuel Novarro House for Sale

Like Lloyd Wright’s other work — most notably the John Sowden House
in Hollywood — the home mimics Mayan architecture with its geometric,
blocky exterior. Inside, the residence features sleek concrete floors,
dramatic windows and glass doors that lead to a swimming pool, patios
and professionally landscaped grounds.